Personal protective equipment (PPE) shields
or isolates workers from health and safety hazards in the workplace.
In a site where anthrax spores may be present, PPE protects workers
from exposure to respiratory and skin hazards and prevents the
spread of contaminants to uncontaminated areas.

Wearing
protective clothing protects the skin and can prevent the
transfer of contamination off-site. The appropriate level of
skin protection, which should be outlined in the HASP,
is determined based on the site conditions. The appropriate
level of skin protection used at an anthrax-impacted site
should include, at a minimum, the following:

Tyvek or equivalent coveralls

Unpowdered disposable gloves made of lightweight nitrile
or vinyl

Appropriate PPE selection will take
into account the following:

Does it protect the skin from contact with anthrax
spores?

Does it protect the worker form contact with chemicals
used in the response?

Does it protect the worker from other site hazards
identified in the HASP?

Can it can be taken off safely and left at the site to prevent
the transfer of contamination off-site.

The following links include more detailed
information on Skin Protection:

Since airborne spores
generally pose the greatest threat to personnel, respiratory
protection is a necessary component of the PPE program. The
OSHA respiratory protection standard (29
CFR 1910.134) requires you to
establish and comply with an effective respiratory program.
Program requirements include:

It
is essential that personnel be trained on the proper use of PPE to
ensure they receive greatest protection possible. Employers should
certify in writing that the training has been provided and that
employees understand what they need to know about PPE. The
certification should show the name of each employee trained and the
dates and types of training provided.Workers should be trained
to know:

When PPE is necessary

What type of PPE to use

Where the PPE is located

How the PPE should be worn

What the PPE limitations are

How long the PPE is likely to last

How to properly maintain and dispose of the PPE

In addition, appropriate personnel
decontamination and contamination containment procedures are needed
for workers using PPE to prevent exposure to anthrax. In general,
these procedures are similar to those for asbestos abatement and
include:

Isolating contaminated areas

Negative-pressure ventilation

A three- to five-stage decontamination line with a shower for
equipment and personnel

Appropriate waste disposal

For additional detailed information about
Respiratory Protection see the following: